MANCHESTER United began a fortnight without under-fire Ruud van Nistelrooy at Crewe last night - and Alan Smith immediately stuck his hand up to replace the prolific Dutchman.

After being condemned last year for dragging out the FA's disciplinary process, the Red Devils proved they are equally adept at moulding the new speeded-up version to suit their purposes by confirming Van Nistelrooy didn't intend to appeal against his serious foul play charge.

It meant the former PSV striker was able to serve the first game of his ban by sitting out United's 3-0 Carling Cup win at Gresty Road - a match he would have missed anyway - so ensuring his availability for the trip to Newcastle on November 14.

However, if Smith keeps performing the way he did last night, Van Nistelrooy - on the end of another barrage of abuse from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger yesterday - might struggle to force his way into the team.

The former Leeds man fired home his seventh goal of the campaign to put the visitors on track for a place in the last 16 and Crewe boss Dario Gradi felt Smith was one of the major differences between the sides.

'Outstanding'

"Alan Smith was the outstanding player on the pitch," said Gradi.

"He caused us all sorts of problems and we really found him very difficult to control."

Smith scored five times in his first six appearances before Van Nistelrooy's return from groin surgery forced him onto the United bench.

The England star should be confident of keeping his place at Portsmouth on Saturday though, especially now Van Nistelrooy has accepted responsibility and punishment for his reckless high tackle on Ashley Cole during Sunday's stormy clash with Arsenal, which sees him serve the first suspension of his United career.

"Throughout my 10-year career, I believe my disciplinary record is very good, not only for Manchester United but at all my previous clubs," said the Dutchman.

"But I accept the charge brought by the FA and I take full responsibility for the incident.

"There was no deliberate intent to harm Ashley Cole and I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to him."

Van Nistelrooy's decision was backed by Ferguson, who felt there was no point even trying to drag out the process because a three-match ban was inevitable anyway.

"It is a pretty straightforward situation," he said.

"There was very little chance of getting the FA to look at the situation any differently and in fairness, Ruud himself said the tackle was a bit high.